Main Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; behold, all things

have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus

Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation."

Key Themes:

1. Reconciliation Begins in Christ

◦ True transformation happens in Christ—not through good works or self-effort.

◦ God reconciled us to Himself through Jesus and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

2. You Belong to God

◦ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "You are not your own; you were bought at a price."

◦ Many people try to add Jesus to their lives rather than fully surrendering to Him.

◦ God doesn’t do "timeshares" with our lives—He wants everything, not just a portion.

3. God Provides What He Requires

◦ Everything God asks of us, He also provides the grace to fulfill.

◦ Just as in education or training, high expectations come with high investment.

◦ Salvation is by grace through faith plus nothing (Ephesians 2:8-9).

4. With Reconciliation Comes with Responsibility

◦ Reconciliation not just a personal benefit; it’s a calling to extend it to others.

◦ We are reassigned after being reconciled—called to help restore others.

◦ The message must be shared, not just received.

5. Seeing People as God Sees Them

◦ Don't look away from the broken, hurting, or lost—see them, engage with them.

◦ True reconciliation requires recognition:

▪ Recognizing God's nature and human nature.

▪ Understanding that all people are created in God’s image (Imago Dei), even if they don’t yet reflect it.

6. Conciliation Before Reconciliation

◦ Reconciliation requires addressing what caused the division.

◦ No reconciliation without recognition and repentance.

◦ Applies to racial issues, family conflicts, and most importantly, our relationship with God.

7. Understand Human Nature

◦ The human heart is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9).

◦ People want a god that serves them, but the true God is the one they must serve.8. Indicators of the true God:

9. 10. • Is from everlasting to everlasting

• Known to Adam, Abraham, Moses and the even the pagans of every generation

• Has the power to create, destroy, heal and reform

• Passes final judgment

• Knows the motivations of the heart

• Has purpose that transcends self-serving interests of people

• Manifests His presence in the earth through the Holy Spirit

• Has a son name Jesus Christ, who is God the Son

The Power of the Gospel

◦ Salvation only comes through the message of Jesus' death, burial, and

resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

◦ The gospel itself is the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16).

◦ Our role is to preach Jesus, not just share opinions or impress people.

The Prodigal Son: A Picture of Reconciliation (Luke 15:11-31)

◦ God eagerly watches for people to return to Him.

◦ When the prodigal son came to himself, he repented and returned.

◦ The Father welcomed him back with open arms, showing God’s heart.

◦ Don’t be jealous when God restores others—join in the mission of

reconciliation.

Final Charge: Be Ministers of Reconciliation

• Recognize that all people belong to God.

• Share the gospel because salvation only comes through hearing and receiving it.

• Help bring prodigals home to God.

• Understand that God does not throw people away—He restores them.

This sermon powerfully emphasizes the responsibility of believers to not only receive

reconciliation but actively extend it to others. It challenges listeners to fully surrender to

Christ, recognize the power of the gospel, and help others find their way back to God.

This talk emphasizes the biblical truth that when a person is in Christ, they become a new creation—old things pass away, and all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). The speaker highlights that believers do not have a “timeshare” relationship with God; rather, He owns our entire lives because He has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ.

Key points include:

• Total Ownership by God: Salvation, blessings, grace, and provision all come from Him. Believers belong fully to God, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
• The Price of Redemption: Jesus gave His whole life to save us, so in return, we should fully dedicate ourselves to Him.
• Understanding Our New Creation: The greatest blessings, purpose, and provision come when we accept that we belong to God and trust Him fully.

In this special edition of the Firm Foundation Podcast, recorded at Wheeler Mission Ministries, Dr. Bryan Hudson teaches from 2 Corinthians 5:17, emphasizing the concept of New Creation Realities—the transformation that occurs when a person is in Christ.

1. New Creation in Christ

   • When someone is in Christ, they are not just improved but entirely transformed.
   • Old things (sin, pride, and past failures) pass away, and all things become new—not new things, but a renewed life and mindset.

2. Personal Testimony of Transformation

   • Dr. Hudson shares his own salvation story (July 8, 1978), when his pride was broken after a disappointing art exhibit experience.
   • That moment led him to seek Jesus, and he experienced instant peace, replacing the mental chaos he once lived with.

3. The Importance of Being ‘In Christ’

   • He emphasizes that being in Christ is the starting point for true solutions in life.
   • Salvation doesn’t immediately fix all problems, but God begins the process of transformation in every aspect—spiritual, mental, financial, and emotional.

4. The Process of Change

   • Three Aspects of Transformation:
     • Rebirth – Being born again spiritually.
     • Restoration – God removes the rust of past sins and habits, much like restoring an old car.
     • Transformation – A caterpillar-to-butterfly type of change, from crawling to flying.

5. Practical Application

   • Accountability is crucial—having godly brothers who ask how you're really doing helps keep you strong.
   • Breaking free from old influences—some friendships and environments must be left behind to truly live a renewed life.
   • Renewing the Mind (Romans 12:2) is necessary to sustain transformation.

6. Encouragement to Fully Receive Christ

   • Simply accepting Jesus isn’t enough; one must receive Him into their life.
   • A powerful prayer of salvation is given, inviting those who want to truly commit to Christ.

7. Final Encouragement

   • Change begins with you—"When you change, your circumstances change."
   • The mission of Wheeler Ministries isn’t just to provide shelter but to help men become better versions of themselves through Christ.

Dr. Hudson concludes with a blessing and encouragement, urging the listeners to embrace their new identity in Christand continue growing spiritually.